Nightworld Academy: Term One(Nightworld Academy #1)(56)

We reach a lower fence and the gate where tyre tracks mark the ground from delivery trucks. I check my phone for the time. A little past six p.m.. Ash told us he'd arrive at six and for us to wait along the lane. To leave as quickly as possible.

Amelia steps on the bottom gate rail and peers into the darkness. "No car out there yet. We can hop over and wait for Ash."

She nimbly climbs over and creeps into the trees. I hitch up my long dress and coat above my bare knees, cursing that I didn't think this out properly. What if I rip my costume? Now I know why Amelia chose a zombie.

"Interesting look, Maeve."

I snap my head around at a familiar voice from above. Andrei swings down from a tree branch and lands in front of me, feet barely making a sound as he lands. There's colour in his cheeks, unlike his usual alabaster white, and his green eyes are brighter than usual. Almost human-looking.

He's dressed in the usual unzipped hoodie over one of his favourite band T-shirts, and jeans complete with chains hanging down. There's nothing different about him for Halloween—including his entrancing presence that sends my pulse haywire.

Each time we're close, I'm increasingly aware this is more than anxiety around him. Andrei's correct that I always liked the bad boy look. Emphasis on look, not the idiots I've come across in my life that rock the image and arsehole nature.

He stares at where my skirts are still hitched halfway up my thigh and his gaze travels slowly upwards. "Shame I can't see the rest."

"What are you doing here?" I drop the skirts and smooth them self-consciously.

"Watching you." He smiles. "Not in a creepy, stalker way. More in the line of public duty."

I scoff. "Really?"

"Yeah. I like to uphold the academy rules and leaving campus is forbidden. Surely your witchy friend knows that."

"As do you, and you leave, don't you? Headed out for more blood-sucking?"

His face hardens. "Shut the hell up." I turn to walk away from him, and he seizes my wrist. "Don't leave. How long since we chatted? It's almost as if you're avoiding me and that makes me sad."

I attempt to get away, but his grip is stronger, reminding me of the day he helped stop my vision. "Let me go, Andrei."

"Where are you going?" His cool fingers tighten.

"I'm visiting a friend."

"On Halloween? Awesome. Please tell me you're sneaking out to a party."

Crap.

"I'm visiting a friend," I repeat.

He ignores me. "Is the party invite-only, or can I come? Oh, what am I saying? Of course, I'm coming with you."

"You are not. Let my arm go."

He steps closer. "Yes, I am."

I tip my chin and challenge his look, the pair of us staring in silence. Behind the roguish look in his eyes lies something else. He's looking at me with more than scorn—there’s an intensity I hate and love at the same time.

I grit my teeth against replying 'no' again, refusing to turn this into an immature argument.

"If you don't take me with you, I'm visiting Professor Lancaster for a chat about her favourite student." He releases my hand. "Did you know the witch teachers can put spells on you to keep track of your every move?"

"You wouldn't."

"That would be inconvenient when you're spending 'quality time' with your boyfriends." He sneers the word boyfriends. "Where are they?"

"If I didn't know better, I'd say you were jealous."

He steps back. "You have a high opinion of yourself."

"As do you. I guess that makes us equal."

Andrei runs his tongue along his bottom lip and stares at my mouth. Why does he deliberately make me uncomfortable whenever we're together? "I'd be happy if you added me to your little harem."

"Gross!" I protest. "First of all, I don't have a harem. And secondly, even if I did, you wouldn't be allowed in."

Andrei's laugh echoes through the trees and he sticks his bottom lip out. "Aww, aren't vamps allowed in your gang? Not even ones you're hot for?"

"Omigod! You're ridiculous."

He looks over his shoulder and waves at someone. Amelia stands behind me the other side of the gate, face filled with fury.

"What is he doing here?"

"He is coming to your human party." He runs and hurdles the gate in a move to match an Olympic athlete. "Let's go."

Amelia gapes at him beside her then looks back at me with a helpless look. "What do we do? We can't take a blood-drinking vampire into the middle of a human party. That's asking for trouble."

"I heard that," he calls. "Think of me as your bodyguard. The shifter needed my help to protect Maeve last time. I should ask you to pay for my services, really."

"I don't need protecting," I call back.

"Sure you don't, blondie."

Headlights beam from our left as a small car slowly approaches along the lane. I shield my eyes as the light dazzles me.

Ash.

Before I can reply, Andrei's figure blurs and he appears by the passenger car door. The car stops, engine idling, and he climbs inside. I can't see Ash's expression, but I can imagine it won't be a happy one.